BIO Statement on Nomination of Andrei Iancu to Lead U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Washington, D.C. (August 29, 2017) – Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) President and CEO James C. Greenwood issued the following statement on the nomination of Andrei Iancu to lead the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office:
“BIO congratulates Mr. Iancu on his nomination to lead the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This is a critical juncture for the biotechnology industry, which currently has thousands of first-in-class medicines, alternative energy sources, and insect- and drought-resistant crops in the pipeline with the potential to transform how we treat diseases and how we address the industrial and environmental challenges facing our world. Smaller biotech startups innovate 70 percent of new drugs, and they rely upon robust intellectual property protection and enforceable patents to raise the hundreds of millions of dollars required to bring life-saving treatments to patients.
“We look forward to learning more about Mr. Iancu’s views during the Senate confirmation process on how we can strengthen America’s intellectual property system.”
About BIO
BIO is the premier biotechnology advocacy organization representing biotech companies, industry leaders, and state biotech associations in the United States and more than 35 countries around the globe. BIO members range from biotech start-ups to some of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies – all united by the same goal: to develop medical and scientific breakthroughs that prevent and fight disease, restore health, and improve patients’ lives. BIO also organizes the BIO International Convention and a series of annual conferences that drive partnerships, investment, and progress within the sector. Learn more at bio.org.